3 Amazing Weekend Getaways from Melbourne

Lucy Bek

If you have a weekend to spare, getting out of Melbourne to explore the diverse and stunning scenery, food, and wildlife of Victoria is well worth it. We’ve included three suggestions to get you started on your adventures.

1. Great Ocean Road

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From rainforests and waterfalls to iconic surf breaks, the magical 12 apostles, and abundant wildlife, the The Great Ocean Road and it’s 243 kilometers of scenic coastal drive is not to be missed.

From the entrance of the Great Ocean Road at Torquay, to Port Campbell where you can visit the 12 apostles, is a four-and-a-half-hour drive. Some must-see spots along the way include the world-famous Bells Beach surf break, Lorne, the stunning rainforest scenery of the Otways National Park, and Apollo Bay. Staying a night on the Great Ocean Road allows for wildlife spotting opportunities – kangaroos and koalas abound.

2. Mornington Peninsula

Only an hour out of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula makes for a great day trip, but with all of your bases covered – from great food, wine, beaches and walks – there is enough to keep you occupied for a whole weekend.

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Check out a winery around Red Hill, walk the beautiful bush track down to Bushrangers Bay, explore where the tip of the peninsula meets the wild bass strait, enjoy top quality meals from Mornington or Sorrento, and spend an evening soaking in the mineral-enriched Peninsula Hot Springs.

3. Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park is an escape into wilderness, with some of Victoria’s most beautiful bushland, rocky escarpments, and rugged landscapes. A three-hour drive from Melbourne, the Grampians makes for a perfect weekend of hiking – you can do a variety of day trips from the village of Halls Gap. For more experienced walkers, multi-day treks are a great way to explore the different biospheres of the park.

Explore the the local Aboriginal history and rock art by visiting the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Halls Gap. Accommodation ranges from cheap campsites, to hostels, guest-houses, and luxury 5 star retreats.